Mental health guidance and care available
After October 7 and the Bondi massacre, a traumatised Jewish community is urged to prioritise mental health.
Many in the Jewish community are suffering, having been under siege for more than two years, since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. With the trauma of the Bondi Chanukah massacre, and so many Jewish people directly and indirectly affected, it is vital to look after one’s mental health.
In response, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation is organising a discussion on February 18 at 7.30pm, entitled “Looking After Yourself” which will gather three experts to offer mental health guidance though different approaches. It aims to validate feelings of trauma and offer ways to work through them – including guidance on how to help others and recognising warning signs.
The panel includes: Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, a qualified counsellor, rabbi of St Kilda Shule and pastoral carer who will share the spiritual approach that he applies during counselling; Jamie Maserow, a psychologist and Hatzolah volunteer who will share experience treating trauma; and Cassandra Barrett, community educator and mental health engagement lead at Jewish Care who will reflect on common experiences of trauma and explore practical strategies to help manage distress and build one’s ability to feel safe and able to cope.
The discussion will be moderated by Rachelle Unreich, author, journalist and St Kilda Shule board member who shared, “It is hard for people outside the Jewish community to realise what we have been going through.
“For some, it’s the relentless antisemitism that makes it hard to cope. For others, it’s simply reading the newspapers or going online – even if they have not been targeted personally themselves.
“The community is so small that we all feel each other’s pain, and Bondi certainly lives in our hearts as something we will never forget. As a people, we are naturally resilient, but it is always good to come together, to share our feelings and to understand how we can feel better supported.”
Rabbi Glasman added, “Participating in this event is an important opportunity for mental health professionals to engage with the specific challenges facing the Jewish community at this moment. In a time of heightened antisemitism, open and honest conversations about mental wellbeing are essential.
“This forum aims to empower individuals to care for their mental health and to strengthen the resilience and support networks of our community.”
Tickets are free but booking essential visit www.trybooking.com/DIYET